Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri recently gave an update on the state of the city to the Haleyville Rotary Club. Sunseri stated sales and employment tax is up and the unemployment rate is now at 6%, the lowest in many years. The mobile home industry, which was the leading industry in this area at one time, is virtually gone. There are still many manufacturing and supply facilities in this area and all face a common problem, finding people to work. Sunseri stated the greatest competition has been the federal government. Sunseri said potential employees could take advantage of all the many government programs such as unemployment food stamps, medical and other benefits. Thus it was easier to stay and home and make the equivalent of $12.22 per hour without having to work.

On a positive note, work is underway on the playground at the new sports complex. New hangers at the airport have just been completed and are full. The Cripple Creek subdivision project is now complete. The new sports complex has been a huge success and a boost to the city in bringing in out of town ball players and their families. The first month the complex was open the concession stand and field rentals grossed $25,000. Even though it is difficult to fully assess the full impact of the economics of the complex, it is obvious already, it was a good investment by the city.

May city streets need paying and repair. Sunseri stated there is no money for paving even though he has over $3 million in paying projects on his desk.

The next city council meeting has been moved from Monday, July 3 to Monday, July 10 because of the July 4th holiday.